Narhay's 1969 Raleigh Superbe
#1
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Narhay's 1969 Raleigh Superbe
As purchased. Surface rust on everything. Everything. My plan is to have a mechanically sound bike I am ok with leaving locked up downtown when it is possible to go out for a drink or two again.
I had one a decade newer which was a multi year project in which I shovelled piles of money and time at it. This one I aim to keep as original as possible because it will never be pristine.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...h-superbe.html
The bike has a mix of grease, rust and dirt all over it. I've already used 4 battery packs on my drill with brass wire wheel and I am just coming to the end of it.
It is disassembled now and things are looking up. The wheels are cleaned up but I dont have photos right now. Lots of cleaning and polishing remain but we will get there.
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#2
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Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Ontario
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Bikes: Miele Latina, Worksman INB, Rapido Eska Folder, Raleigh Superbe, Raleigh Sprite, Soma Stanyan 650b, VeloSolex 3800, Raleigh Competition GS, CTC Supercycle, Raleigh Sports
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When you see how nice it cleans up, you'll have to resist the temptation to make it perfect. Looking forward to seeing more photos of your build.
#3
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From a meter away, that looks pretty awesome to me, especially for a bike over 50 years old. That's quite an assortment of cogsets you've got stored nearer the floor than I'd like them.
#4
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Haha. I was flushing them with oil. Theyll go back into the box and off the floor now. Thanks for the reminder.
#5
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Based on my experience attempting to arrest similar ravages on my late uncle's '74 Superbe, I feel a duty to warn that the surface rust will attempt to make comebacks with a vengeance. Anything that was chromed is going to be a problem down the road unless it gets replaced, replated, or somehow permanently addressed.
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#6
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Looks like this is going to turn out to be pretty nice. Far nicer than a usual 'round town beater. Good year too. Still has normal brake levers and the full pattern chain ring. I see you have Mark's bottom bracket tool. Those are great. I thought I'd only use it for DS fixed cups, but it turned out to be very handy for the adjustable side too. Especially if the threads are stiff. Good work. Wax once a year does a pretty good job of keeping rust off restored chrome.
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#7
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Yes, now that I've removed the rust I'll have to protect it. Some wax should do the trick. Here are some progress shots. The bikesmithdesign stuff is great...the cotter press was the reason for the purchase and I ended up with the fixed tool as well just because.
There was a casualty with the wire wheel. Somehow I thought the oil cap was metal on these steel shell hubs. Anyways, I will have to figure something out. The $30 for a new one shipped to Canada is a bit hard to swallow.
There was a casualty with the wire wheel. Somehow I thought the oil cap was metal on these steel shell hubs. Anyways, I will have to figure something out. The $30 for a new one shipped to Canada is a bit hard to swallow.
#8
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Coming along. Should have tires, alloy seatpost, shifter cable and a couple odds and ends arriving sometime next week.
#9
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Rebuilding GH6 Dynohub and straightening fender stays. I'd rebuilt a few dynohubs before but now there are some decent youtube videos and I learned a thing or two. Next up is the AW hub and then I will punch, lace and treat the saddle.
#10
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Bikes: Miele Latina, Worksman INB, Rapido Eska Folder, Raleigh Superbe, Raleigh Sprite, Soma Stanyan 650b, VeloSolex 3800, Raleigh Competition GS, CTC Supercycle, Raleigh Sports
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Its cleaning up really nicely - the chrome looks great. I see it has the newer style brake calipers which is a bonus for easy cable replacement.
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Nicely done! What are those pedals? I like the rubber/alloy combo.
#14
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They are Wellgo pedals. Not sure of the model but I also liked how they match the old block rubber style but lighten it with some aluminum. The previous pedals were mismatched which was kind of interesting.
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Turned out too nice. I like my 3-speeds ready for urban living and outside parking, if need be. And I hate having to shine stuff.
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#19
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I sprung for a new replacement and then this happened.
I took the bike for a little slow jaunt in the neighbourhood just now and it performed excellently. Nothing to take back and adjust for the moment.
I know there is the voltage regulator and LED I can buy but I'm not sure if I would go that route. I actually put the bike up for sale for the "dont really want to get rid of it price" so I will likely sit on it for a long time because of the time I have invested.
#20
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Took the bike for a stroll to the park with the girls. It is becoming a great neighbourhood cruiser. I took it for a spirited ride last night and one of the cotter pins came loose. I pushed the new ones in with a 24" ratchet. Hopefully that will solve it.
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